The new Philips InstantTrust device cleanses drinking water by utilizing Ultra Violet light to expel microorganisms like bacteria. This idea is not new, but Philips Lighting’s new design is revolutionary to the field. Previous UV purification systems created by a variety of companies have been too bulky, or have taken too much time to start and complete purification; the InstantTrust starts working immediately and can work with flow rates of up to 4 liters per minute in any water temperature. The device’s compact size also creates the potential for its incorporation into a variety of home appliances and plumbing fixtures, from kitchen faucets and under sink water filters, to hot tubs and refrigerators.

The product has vast, global potential, particularly in developing countries where there is an urgent need for water purification. It will be interesting to see how Philips plans to market its product worldwide.

Related: more green gadgets featured on The Alternative Consumer

We’ve seen vinyl record clocks before, but these are a little different – they feature upcycled limited edition 45 rpm records by artists ranging from the inimitable Michael Jackson (above) to UK rockers the Stereophonics (below). Also pictured below are classic limited editions chunks of vinyl by the White Stripes and Kanye West (Golddigger).

Note: if you’re so inclined you can remove the clock’s mechanism and play the record. Most of Starfish Quay’s records have never been played and maintain they’re full collectible value. The handmade clocks range in price from around $20 to $50 depending on the value of the record. Find these and more @ the Starfish Quay Estsy shop.

Related: more eco-friendly designs featured on The Alternative Consumer

One great way to reduce your carbon footprint and lower the cost of your daily commute is replace your car with an e-bike. The Joe Fly e-bike (pictured above) is one of the sexier alternatives. Made by Italian bike maker Prima Power Bikes – the Joe Fly is a pedal-assist electric bike, meaning you start pedaling and the bike’s 250 watt hub-mounted electric motor will kick-in to help you reach speeds up to 15 mph.

You can travel about 20 miles on a full charge, which will get most people to their job, or the local farmers’ market.

The Joe Fly has 3 driving modes: eco (for extended distance), normal and boost (for extra speed), other features include: a regenerative braking system, an Ni-MH battery, a multi-function display, a front disk brake, front fork suspension, electronic anti-theft protection and a polymer body. Largo Scooters sells the stylish Joe Fly in the US.

Related: more electric bikes on The Alternative Consumer

The home laundry room goes hi-tech…Samsung has introduced its new WiFi-enabled WF457 washer and dryer at this week’s CES in Las Vegas. The washer’s Smart Control system allows consumers to stay connected to the washer cycle without having to remain in close proximity to the machine. Consumers can monitor and control the machine’s operation via a wireless router and a smart phone application. Busy moms and dads can monitor cycle selections, remaining time and finishing alerts, as well as remotely start or pause the washer without having to access the laundry room.

Though the front-loading washer has the industry’s largest capacity (a whopping 31 bath towels) it’s recognized by ENERGY STAR as a ‘Most Efficient 2011’ clothes washer. (more…)

(photos above and below) The House of Marley is showing off its new products for 2012 at this week’s CES in Las Vegas. We particularly like the Bag of Rhythm Portable Sound System & dock for iPod and iPhone.

The Bag of Rhythm system is made with earth-friendly materials including FSC-certified renewable birch wood and durable cotton canvas.

The boombox charges iPods and iPhones when docked and an aux input connects hundreds of other devices via an included cable. The system sports twin 1″ tweeters, twin 4.5″ high-definition woofers and a powerful amplifier that is said to deliver amazing output, crisp detail and deep, powerful bass.

The House of Marley also has updated their website, www.thehouseofmarley.com, to make it more user friendly.

The Bag of Rhythm will retail for $349.99 when it goes on sale in February 2012.

Note: The House of Marley donates five percent (5%) of its annual profits to 1Love.org – an organization dedicated to spreading Bob Marley’s message of unity and peace by lifting up a new generation of “young gongs” to strike the hammer for charities, causes and ideas that can change the world.

Related: more posts on green gadgets from The Alternative Consumer

The explosive proliferation of smartphones and other small electronic devices has created a growing demand for portable power solutions. One company hoping to feed that hunger for sustainable power is PowerSkin, which is debuting an array of new portable power solutions at this month’s CES. PowerSkin’s battery-boosting skins for mobile gadget users include: SolarCharge, KeyCharge, Gaming Skins for iOS and Nintendo 3DS, as well as new smartphone skins.

Featured will be PowerSkin’s new SolarCharge (pictured above), a 1000 mAh universal charger for use with all types of smartphones and all generations of iPod touch. SolarCharge is said to provide up to 350 minutes of extra talk-time. The SolarCharge charges off of natural light and can also be re-charged indoors via USB.

KeyCharge (at right), is a funky looking charger that attaches to your key chain and packs 750 mAh – extending talk time up to 90 minutes on most smartphones. Users connect their phone directly onto the KeyCharge’s Micro USB to start charging.

Both SolarCharge and KeyCharge will feature blue rubberized skins with LED lights indicating the amount of battery levels left. PowerSkin’s SolarCharge, $69.99, and KeyCharge, $24.99, will both be available beginning February @ Power-Skin.com.

Related: more solar charger and green gadget on The Alternative Consumer

Here’s something different – a technology that allows the user to control a computer by mind alone via a small armband sensor.  A wearable technology called BodyWave from Freer Logic can enable the wearer to determine if he/she is being inattentive or distracted while driving; or know exactly when to swing a golf club for optimum performance and results.

BodyWave reads brain activity through the human body, not by intrusive headsets and wires like technologies of the past, but via an innovative brainwave monitor that attaches to the arm or leg. BodyWave’s patent-pending design monitors the brain’s physiologic signal through the body. Dry sensors acquire the brain signal and transfer it wirelessly to a PC. When BodyWave is used with Freer Logic’s 3D computer simulations, it can activate and deactivate those computer simulations by mind alone. It can also teach stress control, increase attention, and facilitate peak performance. (more…)

For the truly facebook-obsessed – a faux facebook profile to surround you while you’re in the shower … too bad it’s not made out of an earth-friendly material. available in February £14.99 @ spinninghat.com.

related: non-toxic shower curtains

SolarFocus Technology Company’s SolarKindle has been named a CES 2012 Innovation Award Honoree and will be introduced at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show In Las Vegas. The company calls the SolarKindle, the world’s first solar powered e-reader cover. The cover’s integrated solar panel collects and converts solar energy “on the go”, with one hour of charging in direct sunlight providing up to 3 days of reading time.

The product will be the first in SolarFocus’ new solar gadget line. SolarKindle’s design features a flexible, lightweight high performance solar panel built into the cover and a dual-charging (USB/solar) reserve battery that greatly extends reading time. In addition, the built-in 800 lux LED reading lamp can be powered continuously for up to 50 hours without using the Kindle’s main battery.

Related: more green gadget featured on The Alternative Consumer